Has anyone installed an XM Roady Satellite Radio Receiver?

[Goose]

I recently installed a CP head unit (Sony 9500ES) in my 4Runner to help hold me over until I figured out what my next vehicle would be. I had never used CP before this but it was all the rave, well, I don’t get the appeal. It’s cool, I guess, but it’s just a bit gimmicky to me. I actually miss having my phone up on the dash for nav and using the head unit for XM. Plus, I’m not an audiophile, I would much rather just get in my truck and have music on in the background while I enjoy the drive. Yes, I’m one of the few people that actually enjoys driving. I HATE the driver assist Nannie’s in my in-laws new Lexus or my friends BMW.

With all the said, has anyone installed an XM Roady under their dash vents? If so, any feedback?

I don’t have an R1T yet so if I ordered one it wouldn’t have the 12v outlet, but the wiring should still be there. It should be easy enough to hardwire a Roady and mount it just below the center A/C vents.

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[COdogman]

I don’t know anything about the Roady, but others have had trouble getting the SXM to connect to the Rivian. BT didn’t seem to work and I’m not sure if the FM transmitter was successful either. That would all be moot if Rivian allowed hard wired accessories, but they have not yet turned that on.

I think if you search for Sirius you might find what others have done. Rivian has not made it easy for satellite radio lovers for sure.

 

[Goose]

I don’t know anything about the Roady, but others have had trouble getting the SXM to connect to the Rivian. BT didn’t seem to work and I’m not sure if the FM transmitter was successful either. That would all be moot if Rivian allowed hard wired accessories, but they have not yet turned that on.

I think if you search for Sirius you might find what others have done. Rivian has not made it easy for satellite radio lovers for sure.

Thanks for the input. I was hoping this would be as straight forward as finding 12v leads, splicing in, and mounting the magnetic base. I didn’t realize Rivian could somehow make BT proprietary. Of course, none of this would be an issue if they had a satellite antenna.

 

[COdogman]

I can see both sides of that decision. It does fit with their goal of keeping control of the entertainment and software experience in house, but given their branding as an adventure company, satellite radio seems like a good fit for their customers. If they included the hardware for the antenna, it would basically commit them to working with SXM and they obviously are trying to avoid any of those deals.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Of course, none of this would be an issue if they had a satellite antenna.

Or just an auxiliary audio input.

 

[Deleted member 7086]

The Rivian infotainment center will not recognize nor pair with SXM BT devices. There are no AUX in connectors and the USB-C connectors are not functional as inputs. Interestingly the camp speaker will pair. The only way to get SXM radio is with an FM re-transmitter. My R1T has the “cigarette” plug under the dash and I was successful in installing an SXM receiver and antenna. The SXM plug is both a source of power and is the FM transmitter. I would suggest installing a cigarette plug and using the standard SXM kit. The only downside is finding frequencies which are bleed over or static free. Here are some photos of my instillation. I did add some Velcro to the top of the receiver for additional support.

 

[lslick23]

Why not just use SXM app and Bluetooth from your phone. Been doing this for years.

 

[electruck]

Why not just use SXM app and Bluetooth from your phone. Been doing this for years.

Because satellite coverage is much broader than cellular coverage and not everyone lives in a metro area with good cellular reception. Heck I live in a MAJOR metro area (DFW) and still struggle with poor cellular reception causing frequent streaming music dropouts in my Rivian.

 

[COdogman]

Why not just use SXM app and Bluetooth from your phone. Been doing this for years.

The satellite gets reception literally anywhere with open sky above it (in North America). The only places I had trouble with it were in downtown areas with lots of high rise buildings and/ or tunnels (NYC) and in super dense forest.

 

[Goose]

Because satellite coverage is much broader than cellular coverage and not everyone lives in a metro area with good cellular reception. Heck I live in a MAJOR metro area (DFW) and still struggle with poor cellular reception causing frequent streaming music dropouts in my Rivian.

This right here. Western and Eastern NC are horrible for cell reception.
For an adventure vehicle it’s a bit of an oversight to not have the option for a satellite antenna.

 

[Ducky]

The satellite gets reception literally anywhere with open sky above it (in North America). The only places I had trouble with it were in downtown areas with lots of high rise buildings and/ or tunnels (NYC) and in super dense forest.

I could not agree more! My Tesla S and Ford Ranger, both have SXM, USB inputs and AM radio. That covers me anywhere I could travel and provides a broad range of music, talk, NPR, news, traffic/weather; you name it. Rivian wants to control every aspect of the in-car entertainment, mapping, etc. all for its own future financial gain and to the detriment of its customers. The company continues to claim they want control so they can offer R1 owners the best possible experience. That is corporate B.S. They are doing just the opposite based on complaints vocalized on this and other community boards. Wake up Rivian and give the owners what you are promising!

 

[Zoidz]

The Rivian infotainment center will not recognize nor pair with SXM BT devices. There are no AUX in connectors and the USB-C connectors are not functional as inputs. Interestingly the camp speaker will pair. The only way to get SXM radio is with an FM re-transmitter. My R1T has the “cigarette” plug under the dash and I was successful in installing an SXM receiver and antenna. The SXM plug is both a source of power and is the FM transmitter. I would suggest installing a cigarette plug and using the standard SXM kit. The only downside is finding frequencies which are bleed over or static free. Here are some photos of my instillation. I did add some Velcro to the top of the receiver for additional support.

To get around the open frequency problem, this iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios is inserted between the antenna and the radio, and disconnects the antenna when active.

Should work with any SXM device that has audio out.

 

[Deleted member 7086]

Bought one of those. Then found out Rivian will not disclose how the FM antenna lead runs from the roof antenna to the infotainment unit nor the specific type of connectors used. The disconnect uses standard automotive connectors which are not compatible with Rivian’s. Surprise, surprise. Also you must disassemble the dash to access the infotainment unit. I have heard of one individual who hired a commercial radio installation company to locate the FM antenna lead and splice in the disconnect near the antenna. A rather expensive proposition. Now with the elimination of the cigarette plug under the dash Rivian has made it even more difficult to install aftermarket SXM radio. But I am sure once Rivian starts charging monthly fees for cell connectivity and related entertainment creative individuals will find ways to get around the added costs.

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